Hendricks Day School

I am in my 4th year as an HDS parent. I can't say enough about this school. It has taught my son to really think for himself in terms of good decisions vs bad decisions. They really teach you on an individual basis, as "no student learns the same" this is so true and this is how they teach every student. It is a true family atmosphere, everyone from the head of school, the heads of the diff depts, the head of the cafeteria, the receptionist, the finance ladies and everyone in between know you by name. My youngest child is 3 & does not go to this school till next yr but just about everyone on campus knows him by name and makes a point to make him included in everything. It truly is a family learning atmosphere with the top curriculum and so many advantages. When they say they teach you "how to think not what to think" it is true in every aspect throughout the school. I couldn't imagine my children going to any other school after this experience. I am so happy I have my youngest starting PK4 next year which means I will be part of the Hendricks Family (and that's truly what it is) for another 10 years! That will make 14 all together & I wouldn't have it any other way!
--Submitted by a parent

We are enjoying our fourth year being part of the HDS Family. We not only are experiencing our fourth year being students of Hendricks Day School, we couldn't imagine our children anywhere else. Of course all schools offer reading, writing, math, some extras but how many of them infiltrate your entire life. Everything we learn, we experience, we do somehow ties back to HDS. We have looked and toured all of the local private schools. None "felt right". It sounds to easy to say it feels right, but from the moment that you walk onto campus to the moment you experience one of those ah ha moments in your child s education HDS "feels right". Our daughters are not round peg round hole kinds of children. HDS not only teaches them in the way they each need, HDS embraces that and supports that. There is a clear attitude of success for the whole child not just the "academic" child. Everything from a Drama Club, to a Cross Country Club, to Pom's Team, to an Environmental Club to Safety Patrol, HDS is there to support the child, the family and the notion that education is not a one size fits all. Most people like their school, HDS parents LOVE their school!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a Hendricks parent for over ten years. If you want your child to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic so that they can pass a test, send them to your neighborhood school. However, if you are looking for a nurturing environment, where your child will not only grow academically but will be given opportunities and challenges beyond a standard curriculum, then Hendricks Day School is for you. I truly believe that the teachers at Hendricks are there because they love the students and they love to teach. With few exception, every teacher that my children have had, taught with passion, warmth, and created an environment where my children were excited to learn. My daughter played three sports while in middle school. Hendricks' athletic programs build confidence, teach responsiblity, and provide a great way for students to be proud to represent their school. They have started to develop more activities for elementary students as well, such as a chorus and pom squad which perform at school functions as well as some events in the city. I know we made the right choice in sending our children to Hendricks.
--Submitted by a parent

The reason our family loves this school is because it has become our extended family. The entire faculty & staff makes us feel important and welcomed. My daughter has a team of adults she has learned to trust. What a gift that is! Hendricks Day School is also the only school in Jacksonville postured to take care of each student individually. Our daughter was able to take an advanced Math course in order to prepare her for high school. She also has many choices when it comes to encore classes such as Video Game Design, Renaissance Theater, Television Studio Production, Drum Circle, Test Taking Skills, STOMP, Recycling Club, Art. Beyond the classroom, the athletic program is one of the finest in the city, where students are encouraged to participate and because of this she went out for two sports!
--Submitted by a parent

I just moved here in December of '09 was faced with putting my son in a school that was BAD students in the hallway cursing teachers all around did no care etc... I went on a mission to find another school I would feel good about leaving my son in and in two hours I found Hendricks Day. Went inside and found not only a school worthy of my son, but also hugs to make me feel better and shoulders to cry on. WOW what a great team there. My son will be very happy there. :-)
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Hendricks. There are multiple reasons why we are so happy at this school but I must say that the predominant reason is that the school sees each child as an individual and fosters each child's needs. If a child is gifted and excels in an area, then the school helps that child to reach new and exciting levels. If a child struggles in a particular subject, then that child is given the resources and attention to help him or her. This is a school that truly focuses on education in a family atmosphere.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children are in the lower school and I can't say enough good things about the curriculum. My boys are way ahead of their peers in the public schools academically and the teachers are very good. Differnt learners? No problem. HDS gears their curriculum to all types. The school is warm and parent's are encouraged to be a part of any activity or school function. Llike any private institution, fund raising is necessary - but voluntary.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Jacksonville in the summer of 2008. Our boys were entering the 5th & 7th grades, so it was important to find a school that 'fit' them. They both came from gifted programs, so we wanted academic challenge. The boys wanted good sports programs. Although they were accepted at other schools that some might consider more 'prestigous', those schools did not feel right to us. After visiting HDS, we knew it was the right fit. HDS is warm and welcoming. It has a unique critical thinking program that provides challenging new ways to learn and think about problem solving. The teachers are enthusiastic and devoted. The staff is flexible and has worked hard to make sure our boys are in the right level/type of classes to remain challenged. We have been very pleased and highly recommend HDS. They will make sure the school 'fits' your child's needs and personality.
--Submitted by a parent

We tried HDS because public school was too big and institutional. Couldn't be happier. Yes, it is sweet and small, but more importantly, my kids are taught to analyze information via a critical thinking model. It is a comfort to know when they do search the net they have skills in separating fact/opinion/bias.
--Submitted by a parent

best school ever!!! My child is in pk-3 and loves it. His teacher is adorable!!! This school to me is highly recommended!!!
--Submitted by a parent